This paper motivates a comprehensive methodological framework for dealing with some aspects of real-world complexity in information system analysis and design. By complex application problem, we mean a problem that cannot be solved by the current technology in the way that it is perceived and analyzed by application domain specialists. The paper focuses on a motivating case study, the analysis of constraint violations in database management at the Belgian agency for social security. We then re-interpret practices and their problems in terms of current information system technology. Recommendations are derived both for suitable developments of the technology, that would allow a better treatment of complex real-world problems, and for methodological improvements in data management practices in the application domain, that would take better advantage of the current technology. Keywords Information systems, complex application domains, research methodology, integrity constraints, manageme...
I. Boydens, Alain Pirotte, Esteban Zimányi